AUSTIN, Texas—The MIS 311F class at The University of Texas Business School will hold its biannual “City of Cleveland” business fair and mock trade show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 1, at the Texas Union Ballroom.
Students taking this course are divided into small groups, who in turn form a corporation that develops, creates and showcases a product. Students hold various positions within their “company” that range from manager to accountant to human resources, simulating real world experiences.
Each group, or company, makes a decision about its specific product and labors to make its vision a reality. Most use the great wealth of business Austin has to offer for support, ideas and sponsorship. Many organizations such as Jenn’s Copy and Printing, Covert Ford and Fast Signs provide funding to help the students achieve their goal of developing and marketing their respective products.
Aside to working businesses, the Texas Union also plays a key role in making this mock trade show possible. The Texas Union helps coordinate the planning and execution of the mock trial by providing management and safety expertise to the class.
Dr. Lynda Cleveland, the mastermind of the operation, and “mayor” of the mock city said, “An incredible sense of community is created when these students seek out the cooperation of business owners in Austin. “I’m always pleased to see the Texas Union play an integral part by acting as the city center during the incubator that this course has become for so many participants.”
The fair and mock trade show features more than 80 booths on display, each with a unique product to be viewed and judged by a professional panel. While some products are only for show, others are not far from gaining acceptance as viable products in the real world marketplace.
The Texas Union Ballroom is located on the UT Austin campus. For more information, visit the class at www.clevelandconnection.com/.
